Tuesday, July 26, 2011

I created Featured Art TuesdayArtist Spotlight, to showcase inspiring Artists and to provide a forum for all Artists to share their work with one another -- this includes every type of medium, sculpture, beading, watercolour, restoring vintage cars, pen and ink, oils, gardening, interior decorating, photography and crafts, including writing and poetry. The list goes on and on.

Each one of us is creative in one way, or another -- FATuesday Artist Spotlight celebrates the creativity found in every person.

For details on how to join FATuesday Artist Spotlight see the bottom of the page.I hope you will join in the fun!

I found Georgina Bedwell on facebook. What a wonderfully whimsical artist she is! I love the humor she instills into her darling drawings. I am especially charmed by her cat characters. She has a wonderful blog Midnight's Blog, chronicling the fabulously funny adventures of one of her kitty characters--I found myself laughing out loud more than once. One can see this talented artist's great love for all animals in her inspiring drawings.

Of herself, Georgina writes, “I'm an artist who loves animals and donates a portion of my art sales to animal rescues.” I deeply admire this wonderful artist's dedication to animals in need.

I became acquainted with Paige Curtis on DA years ago. Her sweet face and dramatic poses can be seen in many of my creations. She is a darling girl who is not only beautiful outside, but is just as lovely inside--she reminds me of one of my own daughters. Paige is a photographer and a gifted digital artist in her own right. She also was the inspiration for my recent experimentation with Art Noeveau called Dancing Free. It is a great honor to know this precious young lady.

Paige writes, “Six years ago Dove-Stock got its start on the quickly-growing artist community, DA. I was 17 years old and looking for a creative outlet which was not easily available in my small home town. Today, those early photos have been used by artists around the world in countless creations, including book and album covers, website designs, and breathtaking paintings. I have been humbled and amazed at the level of creativity a single stock image can inspire.”

To see more of Paige's truly breathtaking photos visit Dove-Stock. You can also drop in to see her website on DA, at Dove Stock.

Eldy is a new artist I found while perusing various artists who use graphite as a main medium. This amazing artist's work inspired me to use graphite more often. The personality she puts into her subjects is captivating. Reading the story of how this gifted artist persued her dream is an inspiration to every artist, including me.

In an excerpt from her description of her own artistic journey, Eldy writes of the year 2009, “… Most pieces were for learning how to use graphite more effectively. I gleaned as much info as I could from several drawing tutorial internet sites and put it to use as I went along. I could see improvement in my skills and drawing confidence every day. I ended up with 57 drawings for the year. Many grace the walls of the dog grooming shop we built on the property and the rest surround me in my art loft. A wonderous and inspirational year!”

Little Pixy Boots is another new artist. I love her unique style. This eclectic artist has a plethora of talents. She is an independent TV producer, wedding videographer and photographer. She's an aspiring film director and a free lance graphic designer. It is no suprise her artwork is so delightfully imaginative.

Of herself, she writes, “Little Pixy Boots is a self-taught Artist who has been illustrating since she is four years old (she is now in her official "30s"). Her first doodle was a few monster-like faces on the first few blank pages of her favourite Gulliver's Travels picture book, because she thought blank pages are meant to be filled up.”

I found Lynda Wilson through Illustration Friday. What a marvelous artist! I was deeply inspired by her beautiful artwork and the subjects she chooses. There is a lovely sense of story in each of her drawings.

Lyndi writes, “I'm a children's book author and illustrator ~ creating works of whimsy brings me great joy. When not working on a book, a challenge illustration or pencil portrait, I'm often seen up to my elbows in mud, creating pottery.” I would love to see some of her pottery one of these days!

Monday, July 25, 2011

I LOVE watercolour. I like the way the brush feels in my fingers--I love the way the colors spread across the paper. There is something magical about the feel of a color-plumped brush about to spill brightness into a black and white world.

Above you see the pen and ink version. I love inking designs onto the paper--as you can see, detail is something I really enjoy.

Al's Photography Blog, by our good friend Al, hosts "Sunday Scans" each week. I have so enjoyed this meme! Sunday Scans is a place for all things scanned. So pick up your artwork, old photo albums, ephemera, postcards, ANYTHING which can be scanned and join in the fun!

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Over the past few years, I have filled notebook after notebook with letters as you see above. I am fascinated by the graceful twirl of line I find in the alphabet--I didn't know why, until I discovered Art Nouveau. There is an echo of that style in these letters I love to draw.

Since I discovered Art Nouveau, I have endeavored to learn the style. The graphite drawing above was inspired by the exquisite work of Alphonse Mucha. I will eventually add line and color to this drawing. I'll post it when I'm done. Most likely this piece will be up for sale on Etsy in a few weeks!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

I created Featured Art TuesdayArtist Spotlight, to showcase inspiring Artists and to provide a forum for all Artists to share their work with one another -- this includes every type of medium, sculpture, beading, watercolour, restoring vintage cars, pen and ink, oils, gardening, interior decorating, photography and crafts, including writing and poetry. The list goes on and on.

Each one of us is creative in one way, or another -- FATuesday Artist Spotlight celebrates the creativity found in every person.

For details on how to join FATuesday Artist Spotlight see the bottom of the page.I hope you will join in the fun!

I fell in love with this painting of a barn by Peggy Conyers. It brings back nostalgic feelings from long ago. This wonderful old building looks just like my grandfather's little old barn. I can smell the fragrant air, feel the sun warmed dirt under my bare feet. I can hear the wind blow--such is the magic this artist has created with her paintbrush.

Peggy writes, “I am basically a self taught artist learning as best I can. It is my goal to inspire and to grow in my art with unique & varied subject in the artwork. I hope you find my work pleasing as I have so much pleasure creating my works of art.”

I was looking for some birds to reference for a drawing when I came upon Roy Hilbinger's amazing photography. To see the world from Roy's viewpoint is an adventure, as you will note when you visit his website.

Roy describes himself as, “an old hippie still keeping the faith. An amateur photographer, musician, poet, and essayist.”

I found Bethan Matthews through Illustration Friday. I was so inspired by this eclectic artist's use of simple lines to create movement and story. She makes me laugh--what a fabulous imagination she has! Bethan is not only an incredible artist, but she is a gifted photographer and cook! I would dearly love to come to her house for a "spot of tea."

Of the drawing above, Bethan writes, "Spent a wonderful day on the beach on Sunday. I let the young and the reckless (not necessarily in that order) take to the waves while I did sedate paddling and sun cream application. I had great intentions of sketching the fabulous scenery but it was just too darn hot. Today it is raining again, so this is just to remind me of how I got sun burnt."

I was blown away by the whimsical art of Leanne Ellis. There is a soft gentle beauty about her pieces which captures the imagination. The grace of line, the sense of rhythm one feels when looking at Leanne's artwork is almost like seeing a song.

Leanne writes, “…I'm most inspired by the questions we ask ourselves in the quiet times. People sometimes perceive the look on my girls faces as sadness, but I see it as reflection - like they are lost in thought for a few seconds. It is often in those moments that we have our most significant awakenings.”

I have always loved caricature. I was recently delighted to discover the incredible caricature art of Richard Ewing. He shows his pieces from conception to finished drawing. His blog is fascinating and inspiring--I found myself studying the features of the people he caught so beautifully. This artist has a tremendous gift of capturing facial expression and likeness, not to mention a great sense of humor.

Of caricature, Richard writes, “Exaggeration is a two way street. Balance in distortion is the end all in any caricature, so all you enlarge should be balanced with what you can diminish.”

To see more of Richard Ewing's creative caricature art, visit Cognitations.

Monday, July 18, 2011

This is a little girl I doodled in my sketchbook yesterday, while listening to a wonderful talk about how precious children are to God. I've been working on learning the style of Art Nouveau, in particular the wonderful artwork of Alphonse Mucha. I think I'm starting to get the hang of it.

I am going to share more of my daily "doodlings" in the weeks ahead. There are various styles I'm attempting to learn, some odd things, some funny things--workings of my mind through doodles, which I think you will enjoy.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

This is another ACEO card--these Artist Trading Cards are only 3.5x2.5 inches. I especially love this one--the look on Eve's face is priceless. I sketched the original piece in graphite, then used pen and ink for the outline. I added color with my beloved Prismacolor pencils.

The above is the original 8x11 pen and ink drawing on Bristol paper, drawn a year earlier.

My lovely Model, Paige Curtis, is also a wonderful digital artist in her own right. You will often see her winsome face in my artwork. Paige's fabulous stock photos can be found at Dove-Stock. I count it a great privilege to know this talented young woman. She is going to go far.

Al's Photography Blog, by our good friend Al, hosts "Sunday Scans" each week. I have so enjoyed this meme! Sunday Scans is a place for all things scanned. So pick up your old photo albums, ephemera, postcards, artwork, ANYTHING which can be scanned and join in the fun!

Friday, July 15, 2011

Trapped on the grassy world of Stindotu, the brave warrior Noztes and his companion Jor, the golden wolf of Urpac, seek a porthole leading to safety on another world. Their loyalty to one another is tested as they face certain destruction from the evil shadow beings residing in this world. Death is not far, as these two face the furious bombardment of molten fireballs streaming out of the skies.

Caught in the death-struggle of a dying planet, the two friends face certain annihilation. Will they find a way out? Can impossible odds be beaten?

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

I created Featured Art TuesdayArtist Spotlight, to showcase inspiring Artists and to provide a forum for all Artists to share their work with one another -- this includes every type of medium, sculpture, beading, watercolour, restoring vintage cars, pen and ink, oils, gardening, interior decorating, photography and crafts, including writing and poetry. The list goes on and on.

Each one of us is creative in one way, or another -- FATuesday Artist Spotlight celebrates the creativity found in every person.

For details on how to join FATuesday Artist Spotlight see the bottom of the page.I hope you will join in the fun!

This is Pressed Flower Art! I had never heard of it before my darling Sissy sent this picture of her newest project. I was floored by the sheer beauty of this lovely picture--it is all made out of pressed flowers. Clytie is an amazing artist. Her artwork delights my heart and fills my eyes. She is one of my greatest inspirations.

Clytie says, "Nature is the best artist! I only use what she has already provided."

To see more of Clytie's wonderfully creative artwork, visit Random He'ArtWork. Sissy's nature journaling blog, Random Nature will make you laugh and fill your eyes with wonder. Random Trash, is filled with uncommon photos which will convince you beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Of course, Clytie has eyes for hearts--you can find her wonderful heart photography at Random Hearts.

I have featured Dani's hearts before, but her most recent pictures are so lovely, I had to share her wonderful gift with everyone one more time. Dani has the gift of seeing hearts. I've only found one other with that gift--my darling sister Clytie.

Dani writes, "The healthiest response to life is joy, so let's have a joyful day. Today. Now." Though she is on her way back home for the summer, she will travel back to China September, continuing to study Chinese. That in itself is an inspiration. Dani has dared to follow her dreams.

Jeannette's wonderful artwork is new to me. Her work is a rare combination of movement and composition. There is a sort of rhythm, a cadence of color and design which captures the eye. This wonderful watercolourist has lived in The Netherlands, Indonesia, Germany and in the Mid-west of the United States. Her many travels have added a deep richness to her work.

Jeannette writes of the painting above, “…The blue-purple combined with green is not much seen in paintings in general. A good reason for an artist to dare commonality! But how does one fill a square canvas with a mainly vertical shape? It looked kind of bare and stilted. Then I got an idea to put in the background as if it was wind moving the petals...and the rest is history.”

To see more of Jeannette's enchanting artwork, visit Art Notes. To follow her adventures in life, and view her lovely photography, check out Mysteries.

I discovered Nora Blansett's charming artwork through some artist friends on Facebook. Her work is beautifully intricate and detailed. The graceful lines of her pieces bewitch the heart of the observer. This extraordinary eclectic artist is a master of many mediums, pen and ink, watercolours, watercolour pencils, photography, collectible art dolls, beded jewelry, miniature quilts and pyrography! Just reading the list of all the things Nora does is mind-boggling.

Nora writes, "I live in Atlantic Canada, have three wonderful children, and I’ve been working as an artist for almost twenty years. My primary focus has always been whimsical illustration and intricate design. My designs were strongly influenced by my years overseas in the Middle East, and of course my refusal to grow up keeps the magic of faeries alive..." I love faeries, too--her enjoyment of these small imaginary creatures makes me smile.

I adore the incredibly inspiring art of Penelope P. Neal. I have featured her on FATuesday Artist Spotlight before, but I was so delighted with her recent submission to Illustration Friday, I had to share it with you--the topic was "remedy." Her wonderful drawings always tell a story--Penny is an artistic troubadour--she is a story teller through the medium of brush and pencil. Her work always brings a smile to my face. I am so honored to know this truly incredible artist. Indeed, I am one of her biggest fans!

Penny writes, "Ellie Mae is a dog who enjoys the hunt and her “remedy” to summer’s scorchers is fishing the quarry. Those fish hover, taunting her like the Sirens who sang to Odysseus. But unlike the Greek adventurer, there is no wax in our hound’s ears and she indeed succumbs to seductive fish calls, mesmerized for hours. I can only imagine the conversation dog and fish have when I’m not watching."

To see more of Penny's inspiring artwork, visit Nothing Worth Stealing. She also has a wonderful website, Penelope P. Neal Illustration, where you can find examples of graphite sketches, watercolor and gouache illustrations, oil paintings and linocut prints.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

This is a portrait of Charlie and Daisy. For a couple of years my neighbor and I would walk her dogs each morning. I fell in love with happy-go-lucky Charlie. Daisy, bless her heart, is a weasel. She loves to eat and will sneak into my friend's kitchen to snag whatever she can find. Charlie is big-hearted and though tempted to join Daisy, often does not.

Of course, these two are the best of buddies! I still get to see them now and again. Charlie still loves me and dear Daisy is still a loveable weasel.

Al's Photography Blog, by our good friend Al, hosts "Sunday Scans" each week. I have so enjoyed this meme! Sunday Scans is a place for all things scanned. So pick up your old photo albums, ephemera, postcards, artwork, ANYTHING which can be scanned and join in the fun!

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Here is another of my watercolour paintings. This is one of eight cuddles ACEO Artist Trading Cards. ATCs are tiny pieces of original artwork--the Cuddles series turned out so darling I can hardly bring myself to put them up for sale!

My model, a teeny cat named "Ribbet" was a kitten at the time I painted this picture. Born with deformed ribs she fought to learn to walk and run. These days though still small, she gracefully runs through a room and is a delight to our eyes. What a courageous little cat!

Peach Tree in Snow

About Me

My mother, Author Eva Gibson, says,"Everybody loves a story." These are the untold stories hidden behind each piece of my artwork. Some are whimsical or sad, others funny. There are stories rooted in science fiction and fairytales--some classical, others born from my imagination. Many pieces reflect my love for the Creator. Often, hidden behind my art, are stories from real life experiences. Indeed, over the years I've discovered the old saying is true. "Truth IS often stranger than fiction."

A midget who told me, when I was depressed about people making fun of me because we had no money and no new clothes and I was wearing everything second handed. He told me, "You are the only one in the world, make the most of it." -- Abe Lincoln, Artist, photographer (Ohio)

My Camera and Me

I carry my camera everywhere I go. Here you see one of my Cloud Paintings. I find unusual shapes, faces, animals in just about everything, especially clouds. Often I am able to enhance or "paint" my photos so others can see what my imagination has revealed.

What an honor to be a featured artist for this wonderful webpage!

A Fairytale Mind

This is a link to my favorite book reviewer. Rena Lanyon gives a well-written review from a youthful perspective.

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I have not a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me Lord."-- Darlene Pringle, Artist

"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass....it's about learning how to dance in the rain."

You've Got Heart Award

Life should be measured not by the number of years, but the love shared, the memories made, the joy given, the blessings received.

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Old Woman Trees

The pine needles click…Click…Knitting stray wisps of wind
Into scarves of song.

~ Dorothy Marie Davis

Copyright Questions

My stories and artwork may not be reproduced, copied, edited, published, transmitted or uploaded in any way without my written permission (which is easy to get via email).

If you have my permission and use my artwork and/or writings, please credit me and put a link to my blog. Let me know when you use my work, so I can visit.

I expect my stories and artwork will be used in a tasteful manner. If my work is used in a manner which I deem unsuitable, I reserve the right to remove any permission granted to use my stories and artwork, which then must be immediately removed.